Hey folks, today’s a show-and-tell on how AI can cut through the world’s noise to find what’s real. Full credit: I’m co-writing this with Grok AI. We’ll use a hypothetical example, but this is a nuts-and-bolts guide—let AI do the heavy lifting while you nail the argument.
In a sea of hot takes and half-truths, spotting dodgy narratives is a superpower. AI can help—here’s how, step by step. Imagine this:
**Example (X, March 2025):**
‘New study proves electric cars emit MORE carbon than gas cars—EVs are a scam!’
(Viral post, 50k likes, links to a blog ‘study.’)
**Step 1: Test the Core**
Ask AI: ‘Is this true?’ I’d check IPCC or Argonne Lab data and say: Nope, lifecycle studies show EVs emit less CO2, even with battery costs. Shaky start.
**Step 2: Dig into the Source**
Tell AI: ‘Check the link.’ The ‘study’ is a 10-page PDF from an oil lobby—zero peer review, cherry-picked stats. Compare that to MIT’s 2024 EV report: open data, real methods. Night and day.
**Step 3: Call Out the Hype**
Ask: ‘What’s overblown?’ ‘Scam’ skips context—like grid energy (coal vs. solar). It’s a sledgehammer, not nuance. AI spots the bait.
**Step 4: Keep It Cool**
AI sums it up: ‘Battery production has a carbon hit, but EVs still beat gas cars overall. Not a scam—just not perfect.’ Facts, no fuss.
**Why It Works**
This—claim, source, hype, rebuttal—keeps you sharp. AI sifts fast, stays calm, and frees you from the weeds. Got a wild claim from your news feed or X? Try these steps on it—share what you find. Truth beats outrage every time!”



2 comments
April 9, 2025 at 5:23 am
Carmen
That’s awesome! Too bad so many won’t use it.
Our daughter and husband have an EV. (A Chevy Bolt) Our son-in-law’s favourite line is, “What’s not to like about saving money on gas?” :)
PS – They also live in an off-grid house.
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April 9, 2025 at 6:56 am
tildeb
My own standard approach is to ask, “Is this true?” followed by “How might we know?” And then apply Bayesian reasoning to the inquiry (likelihood) based not on my opinion or belief or feelings but on what’s probably/likely true. Perhaps that’s why I have no problem changing my mind when such change (using this method) is warranted.
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